Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has inaugurated a six-member committee to verify and commence payment of gratuities to retired local government workers from 1996 to date.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
This was contained in a press release by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor yesterday.
The committee, chaired by Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, includes Mrs. Mbam Joy, Dr. Cajethan Oketa, Hon. Justice Iheanachor Chima, and Comrade David Elom representing the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), while Mr. Martins Uguru will serve as secretary.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the initiative is not driven by excess funds but by a moral obligation to honour the sacrifices of local government retirees.
“I want everyone who served this state at the local government level to receive their full entitlements. This exercise is as important as any physical infrastructure project,” he stated.
He charged the committee to maintain transparency and integrity, directing that each verified retiree should receive their payment the same day.
“Use available records to guide your verification process and ensure prompt payment alerts to beneficiaries immediately after confirmation,” the governor instructed.
Governor Nwifuru also commended the local government chairmen for supporting the process and prioritizing the welfare of former staff.
The committee is expected to begin immediate action, bringing long-awaited relief to hundreds of retirees who have waited nearly three decades for their benefits.
